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Luxury phone maker Vertu is looking to source software from India and plans to strengthen its distribution network in the country to tap its growing affluent class, its president Perry Oosting told ET.

“We are in contact with some software companies, mostly in the Bangalore,” said Oosting, who is Delhi for the launch of the company’s first mono-brand boutique.

Vertu, now 90% owned by private equity group EQT, makes some of the most expensive mobile phones in the world, with some having sapphire keys and exclusive ringtones played by the London Symphony Orchestra.

The phone maker develops exclusive applications and features for its high-profile clients, such as a car parking application developed in partnership with Italian carmaker Ferrari.

“We want to add features that are relevant to luxury consumers. The application will enable a Ferrari owner to find right parking spot for his expensive car,” Oosting said, adding that the brand is looking to enhance such offerings and expects some of the work to be done out of India.

Vertu, launched in 2002 by Nokia (now holding 10% stake), has so far sold 350,000 handsets worldwide. The company’s India sales-started in 2005 in partnership with Matrix Distributors-is a fraction of the global figure.

Vertu expects sales to touch e300 million this year on the back of strong demand from Asia

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